I didn’t think I had any appreciation for the darkness until I began to explore the illusion of my own invisibility. I could sit back and watch life happen to others. I could give myself time to sulk over my wounds. I could plan and fantasize about a more perfect tomorrow… thereby minimizing the triumphs and worries of today.

When did I begin to believe the lies about me? When did I first believe, like a memory, the false image of what my life would be? When did I stop appreciating my own power? When did I stop recognizing my own beauty? Wonder of wonders, I am here! Of all the impossibilities in the world, I have developed a voice that has cowed and destroyed demons attached to my life and banned them from my present and my future. Of all the unthinkable happenings in the world, a neglected and forgotten girl-child grew into a fiercely independent and productive woman who seeks to love and nurture those in her care. {Click to read the full post.}

This week the thought crossed my mind: What would I do if this blessed situation was a difficult problem. Immediately, strategic plans for fixing the problem came to mind. There is always something to DO to eliminate a problem. But what does one do with a blessing? (Follow the link to read the full post.)

“And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’” So says Jesus.

Nearly everything I learned from my mother, I learned from watching her live; observing how she interacted with and treated others. Occasionally, I missed a lesson and took my cues from how people treated her – dismissively, disrespectfully or abusively. When I responded to them in kind, mom would rebuke me with a great deal of irritation….

Photography by Shawnda: SH Images

Encouragement: getupandwalk: get up & walk, ride or fly blog

Miles Morales: When will I know I’m ready? Peter B. Parker: You won’t. It’s a leap of faith. Thats all it is, Miles. It’s a leap of faith. Later…. Peter B. Parker: How do I know I won’t screw up again? Myles Morales: You don’t. It’s… Peter B. Parker: I know… a leap of faith. […]